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How to Choose the Right Car Battery Size

January 27, 2012

For finding the right car battery size for your vehicle the best place to start it to look at the labels on your current car battery. All the labels will show the group size, the amps and the power. All batteries will have indications of their personal statistics which will allow you to choose a battery identical to one you may be removing.

1 – Choosing the Capacity

Batteries have varying capacities and qualities. This is usually denoted in the prices of the battery, with the lower capacity batteries being cheaper. When you go to an auto store to find a new battery for your vehicle, the capacity you choose should be equal to or marginally greater than the battery you are removing. Failing to buy an equal capacity battery might result in your not having enough crank power to start your engine. Cranking Amps is the level of power the battery contains in order to be able to start your vehicle at thirty two degrees Fahrenheit. Your battery may also contain a (CA) which relates to cold-cranking amperes. Choosing battery with good reserve capacity will determine how long your car will run just on battery power alone. The car battery amp hours can be vital. Suppose your alternator quits on you. Your battery won’t be receiving a charge, but it may still have enough reserves to get you to a mechanic.

2 – Check the Group Size

The group size of your battery, in simplistic terms, relates the car group or size to which your vehicle belongs. This can be determined by engine size. It also determines the positioning of the negative and positive terminals on the battery. For example, some will be on the tops of the batteries and other, more heavy duty batteries will be on one size, toward the top.

3 – Check Dates and Warranties

New batteries will have a date stamp which indicates average car battery life. It’s like a food label that indicates the sell by date. All batteries are covered by a warranty too. This warranty can be anywhere between 30 days and 90 days, which allows you to claim a full refund or get a replacement battery, should it fail within that period. Many auto stores will also give you a cash back amount on your old battery and they will safely dispose of it for you. This is one of the more pleasing factors regarding recycling and safe disposal of car parts. It means you won’t have to find a legal way to dispose of it yourself.

4 – Take Your Old Battery with You

If the battery is currently still on the car, or you can use an alternative vehicle, take the battery with you when going to buy the new one. The auto parts representative will be able to show you other suitable batteries in the same group as your own, and offer advice about a good choice for a long lasting battery. Batteries are also manufactured with the Northern and Southern climates in mind. Northern climates are cooler, and therefore the battery will need to be a little more aggressive for starting on colder mornings.